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ARE 2022 PRIZM BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

The 2022 Topps Prizm baseball card set has generated significant hype and excitement in the hobby leading up to its release. There are a few key factors that point to this set potentially containing some valuable rookie cards and short print parallel cards that could hold long term value:

Topps Prizm has become one of the premier modern baseball card brands since its inception in 2018. Each year, Prizm features shiny refractors, neon parallels, and photo variations that give the cards a very flashy and aesthetically pleasing look. From an artistic and design standpoint, Prizm cards are considered some of the best looking cards on the modern market. This appeal to collectors helps drive strong demand.

In addition to the flashy design, Prizm also garners hype due to its association with the NBA Prizm brand. NBA Prizm cards have seen meteoric rises in value over the past decade, with some 1 of 1 parallel cards selling for millions of dollars. While baseball cards will never reach NBA levels, the “Prizm” name alone creates buzz and excitement that few other modern brands can match. Even casual collectors and investors want to own cards with the popular Prizm brand name.

Perhaps most importantly for the prospects of high value cards, the 2022 Prizm set features rookie cards of some of the most prized prospects in recent baseball memory. Shortstops like Jackson Holliday, Druw Jones, and Termarr Johnson were all top 5 overall picks in the 2022 MLB Draft and are considered “can’t-miss” future stars. Other top prospects like Elijah Green, Brock Porter, and Dylan Lesko also have their rookie cards in this set. If even one of these blue-chip prospects develops into a superstar, their Prizm rookie cards could skyrocket in value like past stars like Ronald Acuna Jr, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

In addition to the headliner rookies, every set usually has a few breakout performers that rise up prospect rankings throughout their debut season. Players like Spencer Strider, Michael Harris, and Adley Rutschman all had successful rookie campaigns in 2022 after being relatively under-the-radar prospects prior. Their rookie cards significantly increased in value. The 2022 Prizm set gives collectors exposure to a whole class of prospects that could yield the next hidden gems.

Looking at sales data from past years helps provide an idea of what types of 2022 Prizm cards might gain serious value over the long run. Top rookie refractors and parallels of graduated superstars consistently sell in the thousands of dollars even years after the player debuted. For example, an Acuna Jr. /10 orange refractor pulled a $3,100 price tag earlier this year. Colorful parallels and serial numbered versions of impact rookies like Wander Franco and Bobby Witt Jr. also command 4 figure prices. It’s reasonable to think that if a couple players from the 2022 class achieve stardom, their rare Prizm rookies could fetch similar prices years down the line.

Short print parallel cards that are aggressively inserted also present opportunity. Ultra rare refractor, disco, and rainbow foil parallels number in the single digits and low double digits. While these cards may only be valued in the hundreds today, long term holding of a truly unique parallel like a /5 or /10 card of a future Hall of Famer could yield phenomenal returns. The scarcity adds tremendous long term potential.

While there is obviously risk that the hyped rookies may fail to pan out, history shows that even busts usually have cards retain $10-50 value due to the branding prestige of Prizm. And with literally dozens of top prospects in any given class, simple math says there will almost definitely be at least a few breakout stars whosePrizm rookies smash preconceptions.The combination of the flashy Prizm design, talent pool, and proven track record of increasing values each year indicates the 2022 Topps Prizm baseball set has all the ingredients to produce future high value gems for savvy collectors. Rated prospect lists and minor league stats may change, but owning coveted rookie cards of a diverse selection of top names in this set creates as good a chance as any for potentially uncovering valuable future key pieces to a collection.

While investment carries risk and past performance does not guarantee future results, the trend of Prizm and key prospects increasing in value gives collectorsconfidence that with proper long term storage and holding, the 2022 Topps Prizm baseball release has strong chances to yield cards that could appreciate significantly over the next 5-10+ years. Collectors would be wise to pick their spots on favored prospects, popular parallels, and look for financially responsible deals on desired cards to keep and hold in hope that patience yields profit down the road as these young standout talents develop at the MLB level.

ARE PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS GOOD

Panini Prizm baseball cards have developed a strong reputation since their introduction in 2013 as one of the top modern baseball card brands. While they don’t have the same history and name recognition as Topps or Bowman baseball cards, Prizm cards have gained widespread popularity among collectors.

Some background – Panini America acquired the Prizm brand and concept from parent company Panini S.p.A. of Italy. Prizm started as a brand for basketball but was expanded to other sports like football and baseball. The concept was to utilize modern “prismatic” parallels and refractive colors on cards to make them stand out compared to traditional designs. For baseball, Panini signed an exclusive license deal with Major League Baseball which allowed them to produce official MLB trading cards starting in 2013.

So in the roughly 8 years since, Panini Prizm baseball cards have grown to be a major force in the modern baseball card market for several key reasons:

Innovative Designs – As intended, the prizm parallels and color selections make the cards truly pop visually compared to other brands. Ranging from basic parallels to rare refractors, the designs keep collectors interested in chasing new variations. This aesthetic excitement keeps the brand fresh.

High End Inserts – Panini loads Prizm sets with valuable short-printed inserts focusing on the game’s biggest stars. Ultra-rare 1/1 cards of stars like Mike Trout or cards featuring pieces of game-used memorabilia greatly appeal to collectors. These chase cards drive enthusiasm for the product.

Exclusive MLB License – Having the exclusive MLBPA license means Prizm has access to all current players and can utilize official logos/uniforms. With Topps/Bowman now sharing the baseball card market, this exclusivity was important for Prizm establishing itself in the early years.

Strong Player Selection – Prizm does an excellent job highlighting top young stars and players expected to break out. Focusing draft picks and prospects helps collectors invest in the future of the league through the cards. This sustained interest in who to collect next season after season.

Regular Release Schedule – Panini has maintained a predictable annual baseball card release calendar with Prizm. Flagship Prizm and additional sets/products provide ample collecting opportunities throughout the year. Reliable new releases maintains excitement for the brand long-term.

Robust Autograph/Patch Markets – With a focus on memorabilia cards, the autograph and jersey/relic markets for Prizm have flourished on eBay and through professional sports card graders. Liquid markets allow collectors to easily trade, sell, or profit from valuable pulls in their collections.

Evolution of Parallels – Initially focusing on basic color parallels, prizm refractors, and numbered parallels like Gold Prizms, the parallel program has grown increasingly sophisticated. Rarest parallels now include Black Prizms, Rainbow Foil Prizms, and 1/1 Red Prism alternates that push collector chase aspects to new levels.

Prizm baseball cards are not without some weaknesses as well:

Expense of High-End Products – While flagship Prizm is affordable for most collectors, some of Panini’s high-end baseball releases focused on serial-numbered cards, patches, and autographs demand ultra-premium prices often over $1000 a box. This bars some from participating.

Lack of History/Nostalgia – Competing against brands with many decades of history, Prizm is still establishing nostalgic equity among collectors. Cards from the early 2010s lack the same long-term collectible appreciation as vintage cardboard from the 70s/80s many grew up with.

Market Competition – With Topps and now Fanatics having renewed MLB licenses, the collectibles category will become increasingly competitive. Panini must work hard to maintain/grow market share against industry heavy-hitters going forward.

Quality Control Issues – Like most modern cards, some Prizm releases suffered from occasional centering, cutting, or print flaws diminishing certain cards’ grades. Collector confidence requires consistent premium manufacturing.

While still relatively new on the baseball card scene, Panini Prizm has emerged as one of the top brands through innovative designs, exclusive licenses, a steady release schedule, and large memorabilia markets. Focusing on top prospects and young stars has captivated new generations of collectors. Issues like price points, history/nostalgia, and quality control will be ongoing tests, but Prizm appears entrenched long-term if it continues evolving the brand. For the collectibles it offers and vibrant secondary market created, Panini Prizm baseball cards can generally be considered “good” for most fans and investors in the current trading card industry environment. Continued quality, creativity, and lower-priced options will be important to sustain this positive reputation long-term against major competitors also gunning for baseball card dollars in the years ahead.

ARE PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

Panini Prizm baseball cards are one of the most popular modern baseball card sets on the market today. While they may not carry the same cachet as vintage cards from Topps or cards from the late 1980s and 1990s era, Panini Prizm cards can still be quite valuable depending on the player, the specific card variation, and its condition.

Panini acquired the exclusive baseball card licensing rights from MLB in 2020, ending Topps’ 70+ year run as the sole manufacturer of officially licensed baseball cards. The release of the 2020 Prizm set marked Panini’s first foray into the baseball card world. They sought to make a splash by embracing the trendy “Prizm” brand they had already established in the basketball and football card hobby.

Prizm uses a distinctive refractory technology that creates colorful zig-zags, waves, and streaks on selected areas of the card front. This gives the cards a visually appealing, eye-catching look that has made Prizm one of the most iconic modern card brands. While the technology itself doesn’t necessarily impact the intrinsic value of the card, it has helped Prizm gain widespread recognition and popularity among both collectors and investors.

In terms of player value, rookie cards and stars tend to command the highest prices for Panini Prizm baseball cards. This generally mirrors the hierarchy in the wider baseball card market. For example, some highly valuable 2020 Prizm rookie cards include Luis Robert, Adley Rutschman, Cristian Pache, and Alec Bohm. Top veterans like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto also tend to hold strong values given their superstar status.

Despite star power and the allure of the shiny Prizm design, modern cards rarely achieve the same price levels as their vintage predecessors. There are a few key reasons for this – larger print runs mean less scarcity versus older sets, the market is more saturated as the hobby has grown dramatically, and cards are less protected as investments now versus decades past.

With that important context in mind, here are some general price levels Panini Prizm baseball cards from recent years may achieve depending on certain factors:

Base rookie or star autographed cards – $50-250+
Parallel/color rookie or star autographed cards – $100-500+
Low-numbered parallel/color rookie or star autographed cards (/25 or less) – $250-1,000+
Base rookie or star autographed refractor cards – $100-500+
Base rookie or star rookie cards – $10-50
Parallel/color rookie or star rookie cards – $20-100+
Low-numbered parallel/color rookie cards (/99 or less) – $50-250+
Top current stars like Trout, Acuña Jr., deGrom – $10-50 for base, $20-100+ for parallels/colors
Top retired star cards like Jeter, Bonds, Clemens – $5-25 for base

Naturally, condition is absolutely crucial – higher grades tend to at least double if not multiply prices even more. The more scarce and desirably numbered the parallel/refractor variation, the more it drives up demand and price as well. Autographs and memorabilia cards holding swatches of jersey/bat material also gain significant premiums.

While not reaching the levels of true vintage, Panini Prizm baseball cards – especially for top rookies and stars – can still carry meaningful collectible and potential resale value if obtained at reasonable prices. With increased scarcity over time as the printed cards slowly disappear from shops, certain prized Prizm cards could potentially appreciate as long-term investments too. But of course, nothing is guaranteed in such a speculative market.

While perhaps not attaining the same heights as cards from decades past, Panini Prizm baseball cards – when it comes to desirable rookies, stars, and rarer parallel/auto variants – can absolutely hold notable worth and value for savvy collectors, investors, and fans. Their flashy design married with compelling MLB licensed players ensures they will remain a cornerstone of the contemporary baseball card world for years to come.

ARE PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS GOOD

Prizm baseball cards are generally considered to be some of the best and most desirable modern baseball cards on the market today. Here are some reasons why:

Prizm uses a special print technology called Holofoil that makes the cards shiny and gives them a unique look compared to traditional cards. The Holofoil technique adds dimensionality and makes photos and designs really pop. This gives Prizm cards a flashy and premium appearance that collectors find very appealing. The shiny look makes Prizm cards stand out in collections.

From a collector standpoint, the low print runs of Prizm make the cards more scarce and desirable long-term. Panini, the maker of Prizm, prints fewer cases of each Prizm release compared to the large mainstream releases from Topps and Upper Deck. This scarcity naturally leads to greater demand and higher potential value over time for sought-after rookies and star players.

Prizm cards tend to feature cutting edge photo and design technology that makes the imagery on the cards very sophisticated and modern looking. The photography, colors, and holographic elements come together for a style that collectors find aesthetically pleasing. Prizm cards portray the game and players in a way that enhances their appeal to today’s collectors.

Panini uses a variety of innovative card designs, parallels, and inserts with Prizm that keep the product fresh and exciting for collectors each year. Between the base Prizm cards, refractors, mosaics, autos, and more, there is a wide spectrum of collecting opportunities in each release. The design diversity helps nurture long term collector interest in the set.

Prizm rookie cards in particular are viewed as some of the most coveted MLB rookie cards available. This is because Panini does a great job of featuring top prospects and rookies in each year’s Prizm release. Examples of huge Prizm rookie Card hits include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Fernando Tatis Jr and more. These have proven to be wise long term investments.

On the resale market, Prizm rookie cards and parallels have shown terrific longevity and appreciation due to the factors mentioned above. Flagship Topps rookies may jump out of the gates stronger earliest, but Prizm rookies often steadily gain value at a very solid pace year after year and can ultimately surpass their Topps counterparts given enough time. This trend bodes well for future Prizm investments.

Panini does a great job with their MLB licensing rights by creating unique insert sets for Prizm that capture the imagination of collectors. Examples include Galactic, Flux, Mosaic, Rookie Autographs, Franchise Focus and more. These special insert sets add variety and chase opportunities that maintain excitement with each release.

From a product quality standpoint, in recent years Panini has really elevated their game with Prizm. The cards are manufactured to very high standards and the centering, corners and surfaces routinely grade exceptionally well right out of packs. This improves both the collector experience as well as long term grade-able card value potential.

When factoring in all of these positive attributes – design technology, scarcity, photography, parallels, insert sets, consistent quality and proven resale market performance – it’s easy to see why Prizm baseball cards have earned such a stellar reputation among today’s most savvy sports card collectors and investors. Their flashy appeal, fun chasing aspect and sound long term prospects make them among the top MLB modern card options on the market.

The Holofoil technology, limited print runs, cutting edge designs, strong rookie class presence, varied inserts, and high quality manufacturing have all contributed to Prizm becoming one of the premier and most sought-after modern baseball card brands collectors look for today. Their unique traits position them very well for long term appreciation potential. For these reasons, Prizm baseball cards can unequivocally be considered “good” by virtually any measure.

ARE PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

Prizm baseball cards are a collection of cards produced by Panini America since 2018 that use a unique refractive coating on the front of the cards to create colorful prismatic effects when light hits them. Due to their flashy appearance and association with some of the top rookies and stars in MLB, Prizm baseball cards have generated a lot of excitement among collectors. Whether individual Prizm cards are worth anything significant varies greatly depending on several factors.

In general, Prizm baseball cards tend to carry a bit of a premium over comparable base cards from other brands due to their distinctive look and the hype surrounding the Prizm brand. For the vast majority of common Prizm cards, this premium is relatively small – usually only a few dollars more than a base card from Topps or Bowman. The real value comes from rare parallels, autographs, and rookie cards of star players. Even then, value depends heavily on the player and specific variation.

One factor that determines a Prizm card’s value is the rarity of the specific parallel version. Panini produces Prizm baseball cards in various parallel versions beyond the regular base paper cards, with lower print runs that increase desirability for collectors. Among the most sought-after parallels are the green prizm /99, orange prizm /25, red prizm /10, and 1/1 rainbow foil prizm, with values scaling up significantly the lower the print run. Even more common parallels like blue (/299) or gold (/50) can carry a noticeable premium over the base for star players.

Naturally, one of the biggest determinants of value is the player featured on the card. Rookie cards or cards featuring young stars and emerging players tend to have the most long-term potential since their values can rise as the player develops. For example, rookie Prizm cards of current big names like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. from their early seasons often sell for well into the double-digits due to their status as future Hall of Famers. Established superstars like Mike Trout and Cody Bellinger also command substantial prices.

Autograph and memorabilia cards carry substantially greater value than base cards due to their scarce, one-of-one nature. Often only available through expensive hobby boxes or high-end case breaks, 1/1 Prizm autographs of star players can sell from thousands into potentially five figures depending on the player pedigree. Rare game-used memorabilia cards featuring pieces of a uniform, bat, or other equipment also demand big prices. Autographed or memorabilia cards of fringe MLB talents have relatively little value.

Of course, the overall condition and state of preservation makes a difference too. Heavily played cards in poor shape lose value, as do cards with creases, wrinkles or other flaws. Higher grades from certification companies like PSA or BGS that indicate a pristine “mint” state can considerably boost prices, turning modest cards into potentially valuable gem mint investments. The grading and authentication process involves costs that must be factored in.

Ultimately, while Prizm baseball cards tend to carry more cachet and intrigue than average cards, their actual monetary worth varies widely. Unless they feature a bona fide star in a scarce parallel, autograph, or memorabilia variation, most Prizm cards hold value mainly as novel collectibles rather than meaningful investments. Still, the brand remains popular among collectors due to the aesthetic appeal of its unique refractors technology and association with some of the game’s brightest young stars. With care and selection, Prizm cards offer potential to gain value over time for savvy collectors banking on future success of featured players.

Whether individual Prizm baseball cards are worth anything significant depends greatly on variables like the player featured, specific parallel version, autograph/memorabilia status, condition, and long-term player performance and career arcs. While the Prizm brand brings an inherent premium, common cards still hold relatively affordable collector value, with the most expensive versions running into the thousands based on desirability factors. For discerning collectors, high-end Prizms offer intriguing long-shot opportunities, but appreciable financial worth usually requires targeting the right stars in preferential editions.

ARE PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS WORTH IT

Panini Prizm baseball cards have grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. Panini gained the exclusive baseball card licensing rights in 2020 after rival Topps had held the monopoly on official MLB cards for decades. This sent many collectors searching for the new Prizm products as the shiny retro designs and parallel coloured parallels became popular chasing cards. Whether Panini Prizm baseball cards are ultimately “worth it” depends on several factors. Let’s examine the pros and cons in depth:

On the positive side, Panini Prizm baseball cards offer collectors some exciting designs and innovative features that have energized the hobby. The retro style aesthetics with colorful borders and bright refractors emulate the look of vintage 1980s and 90s baseball cards that many grew up collecting. This has attracted both new and returning collectors who find the designs nostalgic and visually appealing compared to some of Topps’ more minimalist recent offerings. Additionally, Panini loads their products with short printed parallels and serial numbered cards that fuel the “chase.” Finding rare 1/1 parallel pulls provides a thrill of excitement.

Panini also provides more exclusive rookie card options compared to Topps. Rather than just a single base rookie card, Panini releases various parallel and memorabilia versions of top prospects that can hold more value long term. Examples include Luis Robert’s prizm refractors or Wander Franco’s autographed patches. Having more variability in rookie cards, especially for stars, gives collectors more population control options to consider. The increased competition in the baseball card market has also led to Panini experimenting with new technologies, like their Superfractor parallel featuring embedded NFT tokens with on-chain verification. Such innovations could maintain collector interest and engagement over the long run.

On the flip side, there are also some questions about whether Panini Prizm baseball cards will retain or increase in value as significantly as the vintage brands from Topps. Since Panini is a newcomer to the baseball card scene, long-term data on the resale value fluctuations of their modern cards does not yet exist. Without the same extended track record that Topps holds, particularly for the pre-1980 era sets, Panini baseball cards may prove riskier investments that are subject to greater speculation and volatility. There are no guarantees that today’s “hits” will command top dollar years from now.

Quality control issues have been concerns with Panini products. Many collectors have complained about problems like poor centering, visible print lines, bends or dents even in premium high-end releases. Subpar construction risks damaging cards and hurting secondary market appeal over time for graded gems. The lack of a PSA or BGS partnership also means fewer cards will receive third-party authentication that commands a premium above raw cards in the long run.

Supply and demand fundamentals in the wider industry also pose a question mark. The baseball card market has seen explosive interest and price gains in recent bull years. But relying on increasing speculation and number of new entrants to the hobby to drive future returns is questionable. Should macro conditions change or the fad fade, sales of unlicensed or less established brands may see steeper price corrections. This supply/demand cycle risk also extends to the high-end parallels and short prints that Panini structures their models around.

Intellectual property matters cloud long-term outlooks. Panini only has the MLBPA player rights deal, not an agreement directly with MLB or any single team. If those underlying agreements lapsed or were lost to another company, it could potentially impact fan interest levels and secondary prices over the long haul. Cards without league or club marks may hold less appeal.

While Panini Prizm baseball cards offer exciting new designs, technologies and collector product features in the short run that have energized the current market, their ability to retain value or appreciate significantly over decades is less certain compared to the tested vintage brands. Quality control, lack of authentication partners, reliance on speculation and macro risks all dim their long-term prospects relative to proven leaders like Topps. For short-term fun, their cards can certainly be “worth it”, but they may not prove the safest investments without a longer proven track record. Savvy collectors will likely want to balance Panini with Topps in their long-term holdings.

2021 PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

The 2021 Prizm Draft Picks baseball set brought a lot of excitement to the hobby with its premiere rookie cards of top draft prospects. While Prizm Draft Picks sets in previous years featured lower profile prospects, 2021 saw cards of players drafted at the very top of their respective draft classes who are expected to have bright MLB futures. With such talented rookies, there is no shortage of highly sought after rookie cards from the 2021 Prizm Draft Picks baseball set. Here are some of the best and most valuable cards collectors should be on the lookout for:

Jack Leiter Auto /75 – As the #2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, RHP Jack Leiter was one of the most touted amateur prospects in recent memory. Leiter put up video game numbers during his sophomore and junior seasons at Vanderbilt University while displaying four excellent pitches with command and control. His auto rookie from Prizm Draft Picks is the clear top card from the set, with the /75 parallel being extremely scarce and sought after due to Leiter’s star power and projection. Graded gem mint 10 examples of this card have already sold for over $2000, showing its star power and value potential as Leiter continues his pro career.

Jordan Lawlar Auto /99 – Taken #1 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks, shortstop Jordan Lawlar dazzled scouts with elite bat speed, defensive skills, and baserunning ability coming out of high school in Texas. Along with Leiter, Lawlar was arguably the biggest name in the 2021 draft class. His autos from Prizm Draft Picks, especially the low-numbered parallels like /99, are must-owns for Lawlar collectors. With his five-tool skillset and high ceiling, Lawlar has the potential to be a perennial All-Star if he develops as hoped, making his rookie cards solid long-term investments.

Kumar Rocker Auto – While health concerns caused Kumar Rocker to fall all the way to the 38th overall pick in the draft by the New York Mets, the big righty was a potential top 3 pick out of Vanderbilt just a year ago. When healthy, Rocker pairs an upper-90s fastball with a hard slider and developing curve and changeup. His draft stock fall made his Prizm Draft Picks cards a discount, but Rocker still has frontline starter upside if he stays on the field. His autos in particular hold value as a potential steal for collectors due to Rocker’s past accomplishments and talent.

Marcelo Mayer Auto /99 – As the fourth overall pick by the Boston Red Sox, shortstop Marcelo Mayer drew rave reviews for his hitting ability, patience and athletic tools. Some viewed Mayer as the best pure hitter in the entire 2021 draft class. While Mayer may offer less upside than the first few picks, his bat is special enough to carry him to stardom if he develops as hoped. The /99 parallel of his Prizm Draft Picks auto is an affordable way for collectors to invest in what could be a perennial all-star at an premium position.

Brady House Auto /99 – Taken 27th overall by the Chicago Cubs, high school shortstop Brady House turned heads with slick defense, hitting skills and well-rounded tools. House has the potential for five average or better tools and draws some comparisons to Dodgers star Corey Seager. Though he may need more development time, House’s upside alone gives his Prizm Draft Picks autos strong long term appeal. The low-print /99 parallel especially stands out as a card that could pay big long term dividends for savvy collectors.

Matt McLain Auto – While he didn’t receive quite the same hype as others near the top of the draft, shortstop Matt McLain showed well-rounded offensive skills and defensive actions that made him an easy choice for the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 25th overall pick. McLain maintains hype as someone who could hit for average and power while providing versatility up the middle. His autos from Prizm Draft Picks are affordable yet hold future star potential as McLain develops further in the pros.

Harry Ford Auto /99 – Some viewed Georgia high school catcher Harry Ford as a potential top 10 pick, but his falling all the way to the LA Dodgers at 26 was somewhat surprising. However, Ford has the athleticism, arm strength, power bat and defensive chops behind the plate to be an impact player if developed properly. His tools alone give his low-print /99 Prizm Draft Picks auto sleeper appeal, especially with the Dodgers’ track record of developing talent.

Ben Brown Auto – As a 6’8” righty with an upper-90s fastball and promising offspeed stuff, Ben Brown flashed huge upside that made him an easy third round selection for the Tampa Bay Rays. Brown’s massive size alone draws comparisons to Aaron Nola and other towering hurlers. His Prizm Draft Picks cards are a solid gamble on a high-risk, high-reward arm with true ace potential if he can further refine his secondary pitches.

Teddy McGraw Auto – Somewhat lost in the shuffle of such a touted 2021 draft class overall was Teddy McGraw, an athletic high school outfielder picked 24th overall by the Boston Red Sox. However, McGraw offered intriguing raw power and athleticism that gives him a high offensive ceiling as he develops. His autos from Prizm carry strong longshot potential, especially if McGraw pans out close to his projected ability.

Will Bednar Auto – College pitchers don’t usually last until the 8th round like Bednar did to the Giants, but there were teams who saw him as a potential first round talent. The 6’3 righty worked as a closer at Mississippi State but flashed impressive swing-and-miss stuff that could profile him as a starter. His Prizm Draft Picks cards offer boom-or-bust appeal as a potential late round steal.

The 2021 Prizm Draft Picks baseball set delivered premier rookie cards for what was hailed as one of the most talented draft classes in recent memory. While multi-year careers are needed to truly gauge which prospects pan out, the class featured many aspiring stars at the tippy top. Savvy collectors would do well to hold top rookies like Leiter, Lawlar and Mayer for the long haul, as their on-field success could exponentially grow the values of their already sought-after rookie cards in the years to come.

BEST 2021 PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Prizm Baseball set was highly anticipated by collectors due to 2020 being a down year for the hobby and Prizm being one of the premier brands in the trading card industry. Panini released the 2021 Prizm Baseball set in October 2021 with parallels, short prints, autographs, and rookie cards of top prospects that made certain cards very desirable. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best 2021 Prizm Baseball cards to collect.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2021 Prizm Baseball set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco is considered a true five-tool player and phenom who many experts believe will become one of the faces of baseball. His prizm base rookie card can be found for around $30-40 raw but graded gem mint 10 copies have sold for over $500. Franco also has several valuable parallels like the Green /99, Orange /25, and 1/1 Black Prizm that command premium prices. Any Wander Franco card is a great long-term investment for collectors.

Another top rookie to target is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While he missed time in 2021 due to injury, Rodriguez displayed five-tool talent when healthy and has a very high ceiling. His base prizm rookie card sells for around $15-20 raw but higher-end parallels like Green /99 and Orange /25 can fetch over $100 in gem mint condition. Rodriguez is expected to be a star for the Mariners and his cards hold great value.

Two other noteworthy rookies from the 2021 Prizm Baseball set are Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson. Greene was a top overall draft pick and has a smooth left-handed swing that is translating well so far in the minors. His base prizm rookie goes for around $10-15 but parallels are more scarce. Pearson has electrifying stuff but injuries have slowed his progress – if he can stay healthy his cards like the Green /99 parallel have breakout potential.

In terms of star veterans, any Mike Trout card is a solid investment but his 2021 Prizm base card sells in the $15-20 range. Higher-end parallels like the Green /99 and Orange /25 can fetch $50-100. Trout remains the best player in baseball when on the field and his brand is unmatched, making him a sound long-term collectible.

Another top veteran to consider is Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts. Betts is in his prime and helped lead LA to a World Series title in 2020. His base 2021 Prizm card sells for around $10-15 but parallels have more upside if Betts continues dominating. The Green /99 and Orange /25 parallels in particular hold nice value.

For star rookies, prospects, and veterans, short prints (SP) and autographs add tremendous value. The Wander Franco SP sells for $50-75 raw while his autographed cards fetch $300-500 depending on parallel. SPs of Rodriguez, Greene, Pearson and other top prospects also command a premium. Autographs of Trout, Betts and other stars can sell for hundreds to over $1000 for 1/1 variations. These rarer inserts make for great longshot speculations.

When collecting the 2021 Prizm Baseball set, the best cards to target are the rookies of Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Riley Greene. Mike Trout and Mookie Betts veteran base cards are also solid. But the highest upside lies in parallels, short prints, and autographs of top stars and prospects. With the hobby booming, graded gem mint 10 examples of the best 2021 Prizm rookies and parallels hold immense long-term value. This set provides several investment opportunities for savvy collectors.

2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

The 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set marks the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular and valuable modern baseball card releases each year. Panini Prizm has become a staple in the hobby due to its flashy ‘prizm’ design parallels, prospect hits, and superstar rookies cards that consistently gain value over time.

Released in late July/early August each year, the 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set Base cards feature exciting ‘prizm’ refractors in color cracked ice, pink ice, green ice, and orange ice variants that make the cards really pop on card shelves and in collectors’ boxes. The base set checklist includes over 350 total cards and highlights top rookies and stars from both the Major and Minor Leagues. Some stand-out base cards include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Shane Bieber, Rafael Devers, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr.

In addition to the ‘prizm’ design in the base set, Panini also includes several exclusive parallel insert sets that are huge draws for collectors. The ‘Orange’ parallel /50 and ‘Green’ /75 parallels are relatively easy pulls but very desirable at lower print runs than the base cards. Higher-end ‘Purple’ /25, ‘Yellow’ /10, and ‘Red’ /5 parallels become extremely valuable based on the player and scarcity. Top rookie parallels can sell for thousands.

Inbox ‘hits’ in retail wax boxes and hobby boxes include ‘Black’ 1/1 parallels that are true one-of-one autograph cards. These ultra-rare parallels naturally create immense buzz in the hobby. Lower print run ‘Auto’ parallels like Blue /99, Purple /25, and Yellow /10 also feature sought-after autographs of top MLB stars and prospects. Box ‘hits’ are the chase and what makes each box opening a thrill.

Beyond the base cards and numerous parallels, Panini each year includes an array of valuable insert sets in 2022 Prizm. ‘Fluorescence’ highlight key players at each position in cool refractors. ‘Spectrum’ contains exciting color match autos and patches of top names. ‘University’ and ‘Rookie Selection’ honor the best draft prospects before they make the Show. And ‘Foundation’ captures stars in a throwback uniform style.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated rookie cards in 2022 Panini Prizm are Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, and Oneil Cruz. All four emerged as exciting call-ups this season and their rookie cards immediately generated buzz. Witt and Rodriguez in particular have posted huge numbers right away and become breakout stars, making their flagship rookie cards extremely valuable investments at the moment and likely to appreciate further over time.

Released in late July/early August each year, hobby enthusiasts and investors tear into cases of 2022 Panini Prizm at lightning speed looking to pull the top rookies and hottest parallels. With dazzling design parallels and key rookie card gems, Prizm brings excitement to the cardboard collecting world each summer and fall. Whether completing rainbow sets of stars or chasing rare autographed parallels in every box, Panini Prizm Baseball delivers the goods yet again for its milestone 10th anniversary release in 2022. This set is sure to be one of the most collected modern issues as time passes and another generation of fans discovers the thrill of Panini Prizm Baseball cards.

PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS VALUE 2023

Prizm is one of the most desirable trading card brands in the modern collectibles market. Produced by Panini America, Prizm baseball cards have exploded in popularity and value in recent years. The flashy Prizm refractor parallels combined with the appeal of today’s MLB stars have turned Prizm into a coveted brand among both investors and fans.

So what exactly makes Prizm cards so valuable? And which players and rookie cards hold the most potential as investments heading into 2023? Let’s take a deeper look at the Prizm brand and analyze some key considerations that will shape its value in the year ahead.

The Prizm Brand

Panini America created Prizm in 2012 as their premium brand to compete with Topps Chrome. Unlike typical photo-based cards, each Prizm card contains an optically enhanced foil layer that creates dazzling colors and refracts light in unique ways depending on the angle.

This innovative “prism” technology gave the brand its name and helped Prizm stand out visually on shelves. Over the past decade, a growing collector base has helped ignite strong demand for Prizm parallels like Sapphire, Amethyst, Ruby, and especially the ultra-rare Prizm White parallel inserts.

While Topps Chrome remains the top MLB brand, Prizm has steadily gained ground in recent years. The flashy look of Prizm cards coupled with Panini’s savvy marketing machine have turned it into the number two brand behind only Topps among modern baseball sets. This surge in popularity is a primary driver of higher Prizm values.

Top Rookies and Stars

Within the world of Prizm baseball cards, the biggest movers and shakers are always the premier rookies and stars of the current MLB season. Investors view these as the safest long-term bets, assuming the player lives up to expectations on the field. Some names that will continue shaping Prizm values in 2023 include:

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: 2019 Topps Chrome RC prices cooled in 2022 but the 2021 Prizm Sapphire RC (#/25) holds strong near $2K. Expect steady interest.

Juan Soto: 2018 Topps Chrome RC value stable around $1K but 2018 Prizm Sapphire RC (#/10) eclipsed $6K in 2022 sales. Soto’s prime playing years make this a viable investment.

Wander Franco: In just two seasons, Franco exploded into one of baseball’s brightest young talents. His 2021 Prizm Sapphire RC continues fetching $3K-5K and other parallels see healthy bidding as well.

Shane Bieber: Won the 2020 AL Cy Young but arm issues stalled his rise. If healthy in 2023, his 2019 Prizm Sapphire RC (#/10) around $1.2K could take off.

Ronald Acuña Jr.: 2018 Prizm Sapphire RC (#/10) eclipsed $4K in 2022, showing Acuña’s star power and strong collector interest endure through injury.

Vintage Interest Grows

Encouragingly for long-term collectors, Prizm values are not confined strictly to modern rookies. Vintage stars from the brand’s earlier years see renewed investor focus as the hobby evolves. Names like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and more drive growing collector demand for older Prizm parallels.

The 2012 Prizm Mike Trout rookie parallels especially garner strong attention. Recent sales of his #/10 Sapphire RC eclipsed $10,000, a major jump from 2020 values. As one of the game’s all-time greats, Trout’s rookie cards remain a blue-chip investment even a decade later. This vintage Prizm appreciation bodes well for future collectors.

Parallels are King

Within the Prizm universe, parallel refractors hold the most allure due to their ultra-limited print runs. The Scarcer the parallel, the higher its typical value – sometimes exponentially so. Here’s a breakdown of some top Prizm parallels to watch:

Sapphire (#/10): Often the marquee rookie parallel, typically fetching 2X-5X a base rookie card price. Many commanding $1,000+

Amethyst (#/75): A step down from Sapphire but still highly scarce. Valuable rookies trading $200-$500+ range.

Ruby (#/150): The third most limited “refractor” parallel. Key rookies trading $100+ depending on player.

Silver (#/250): Considered the lowest true “refractor” parallel. Has its moments but more average $50-100 range.

White (#/125): A ultra-rare “White Ice” parallel inserted randomly. While appealing, raw pricing very volatile due to extreme scarcity. Graded editions command huge money.

As long as the allure of limited parallels resonates with collectors, these refractors will remain the most enticing and valuable segment of the Prizm brand. Their precious limited nature gives these cards major long-term stakes as store-of-value baseball collectibles.

Grading Matters More

The explosion of third-party grading over the last half-decade has magnified the effect of card condition on value, especially for modern investment pieces. While raw rookie cards still trade hands, top-tier Prizm parallels frequently fetch several times more money in high grades from respected grading services like PSA, BGS or SGC.

For the most prized vintage and rookie parallels, smart investors routinely submit cards for professional grading before reselling. Recent record prices all involve nine-plus graded Prizm cards like Harper’s 2012 PSA 10 Sapphire RC selling north of $10,000 levels.

Raw and low-grade Prizms will remain accessible for many collectors on a budget. But for those seeking the biggest returns in the years ahead, identifying gem mint graded examples appears the safest route as grading becomes table stakes in the high-end collecting sphere.

The 2023 Outlook

Barring any unforeseen market shifts, most indicators point to the continued strengthening of Prizm baseball card values moving into 2023 and beyond. Generational talents like Guerrero, Acuña and Wander Franco entering their primes will sustain buzz. New promising rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. add fuel as well.

Robust modern sport hobby growth shows no signs of stopping. As Prizm remains the sport’s premier “refractor” driven brand, collector appetite for its parallels shows no signs of wavering. Grading standards also rise, elevating gem Prizms even further.

For patient investors, top Prizm rookies graded above PSA/BGS 8 – especially parallel refractors – remain extremely viable long term prospects. Vintage stars like Trout also prove resilient stores of future worth. The enduring magic of Prizm keeps its baseball cards scintillating investments well into the new year.